Animal Brush and Method of Manufacturing Same

ABSTRACT

An animal brush and method of manufacturing same.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to animal brushes and, more particularly, to an animal brush that has increased utility and ease of operation.

Prior animal brushes tended to be made using a combing surface shaped in a circle with a heavy handle extending laterally therefrom. These animal brushes tend to be heavy and require being held in a particular orientation during use. The restricted orientation between the handle, owner's hand, pet, and the direction of motion of the brush during use often leads to fatigue and can result in incomplete grooming. Furthermore the utilitarian look of existing animal brushes can increase an inexperienced person's reluctance to use the animal brush from grooming.

It may be advantageous to provide an animal brush that preferably has a pleasing aesthetic look, that preferably has an improved comfortable gripping surface for a user, and that is preferably made of a material to allow ready cleaning of the animal brush, and that preferably resembles a flower.

SUMMARY

Briefly speaking, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an animal brush. The method includes: providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal.

In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to an animal brush including a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle. The path includes a plurality of arcuate sections. The tube section defines a hollow central portion. The handle has top and bottom sides. The top side and the outer perimeter are configured to provide a gripping surface for a user. A brush wall depends from the bottom side of the handle. The brush wall extends along the path and is centrally located on the bottom side of tube section. The brush wall has a distal end adapted to brush an animal.

In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an animal brush. The method includes: providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the handle includes plurality of arcuate sections also forming a plurality of generally V-shaped indentations along the outer perimeter to simplify the holding of the brush by allowing placement of at least one finger in any one of the generally V-shaped indentations, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush, wherein the hollow central portion of the handle occupies at least sixty (60%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle so that the hollow central portion reduces the weight of the animal brush to simplify use; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, wherein the brush wall is configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.

In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an animal brush. The method includes providing a handle having a bottom side, the handle being formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having a top side, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend therefrom and extending along the bottom side of the handle along a closed path including a plurality of arcuate sections, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, the brush wall configured to form a plurality of folds wherein the portions of the brush wall forming the fold generally come to a point at an apex of the fold, each fold creating a potential catch area along the outer surface of the brush wall each adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal, wherein regardless of the orientation of the animal brush relative to the direction of movement of the brush over an animal at least two potential catch areas are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user gripping a preferred embodiment of an animal brush according to the present invention and using the animal brush to brush a pet dog; the top side and the perimeter of the handle provides a gripping surface for the user's hand; generally V-shaped indentations along the perimeter of the animal brush handle allow the optional placement of fingers in the V-shaped indentations to facilitate comfortable and easy gripping of the brush; the portion of the central hollow portion of the handle not covered by the user's hand allows the user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush within an area bounded by the brush wall during use;

FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the animal brush of FIG. 1 and illustrates the serrations located on a distal end of the brush wall; the brush wall extends generally downwardly from a bottom side of the brush handle;

FIG. 3 is front elevational view of the animal brush of FIG. 1 illustrating a generally central arcuate section and the sides of two lateral arcuate sections;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the animal brush of FIG. 1 illustrating how the handle is formed by a tube section that extends along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle; the path includes a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush; the brush wall is shown as preferably, but not necessarily, extending along the entire path and being located generally centrally on the bottom side of the tube section; six arcuate sections simulate cause the brush to look like a flower having six petals; the number and shape of the arcuate sections can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the animal brush of FIG. 1 as taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3 and illustrates the preferable animal brush having the handle and brush wall integrally formed as a one piece member; the animal brush is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of a suitable polymer; an axis that is generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle is shown;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, broken away, cross-sectional view of the animal brush shown in FIG. 5 illustrating the preferred central location of the brush wall along the bottom side of the tube section that forms the handle of the animal brush;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the animal brush of FIG. 1 illustrates the general floral look of the animal brush and illustrates that the brush wall is configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tube section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle; it is preferable that the handle include a generally large hollow central portion to reduce the weight of the brush and to allow a user to see those debris caught in the area bounded by the brush wall during use; it is preferred, but not necessary, that the hollow central portion of the handle occupy at least sixty (60%) of the area of the handle when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle to, among other things, reduce the weight of the animal brush;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the animal brush of FIG. 1 showing how the brush wall forms the brush wall is preferably configured to form a plurality of folds; the portions of the brush wall forming each fold generally come to a point at an apex of the fold; each fold creates a potential catch area along the outer surface of the brush wall each adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal; regardless of the orientation of the animal brush relative to the direction of movement of the brush over an animal at least two potential catch points are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal; the arrow in this figure shows the direction of movement of the brush over an animal;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the animal brush of FIG. 1 illustrating the animal brush in a different orientation (as compared with that shown in FIG. 8) relative to the arrow showing the direction of movement of the brush over the animal;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a first preferred method of manufacturing the animal brush of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the animal brush and designated parts thereof. The term “animal brush”, as used in the claims and corresponding portions of the specification, means “any one or combination of a dog brush, a cat brush, a currycomb, a pet brush, an animal brush, or the like”. The language “at least one of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’,” as used in the claims and in corresponding portions of the specification, means “any group having at least one ‘A’; or any group having at least one ‘B’; or any group having at least one ‘C’;—and does require that a group have at least one of each of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.” Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, a preferred embodiment of an animal brush according to the present invention is shown and generally designated as 10. Briefly speaking the animal brush 10 has a construction that creates a floral appearance to provide an aesthetically superior animal brush 10. The brush construction is also preferably lightweight and configured to provide an easy and comfortable grip for a user.

The animal brush 10 is preferably formed of a durable, lightweight, corrosion resistant material, such as a suitable polymer. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable material can be used to form the animal brush, For example, the animal brush can be formed of wood, stainless steel, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyphthalate carbonate (PPC), tin, or any suitable material without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, a preferred embodiment of the animal brush 10 of the present invention is shown. The animal brush includes a handle 12 formed by a tube section 14. The tube section 14 preferably extends along a closed path to define a perimeter 26 of the handle 12. The path includes a plurality of arcuate sections 24 that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush 10. It is preferable that the tube section 14 simulate a flower having six petals. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any number or shape of petals can be formed by the tube section 14 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle has top and bottom sides 28, 30, respectively. The top side 28 and the outer perimeter 26 of the handle are configured to form a gripping surface 32 for a user to hold the animal brush 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the handle's arcuate sections 24 preferably result in a plurality of generally V-shaped indentations 36 along the outer perimeter 26 to simplify the holding of the brush 10 by allowing placement of at least one finger 38 in any one of the generally V-shaped indentations 36. While the generally V-shaped indentations 36 are shown as having a smoothed out continuous base with wide sides, the configuration of the indentations 36 can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the tube section 14 preferably defines a hollow central portion 48. The hollow central portion of the handle preferably occupies at least fifty (50%) percent of the area of the handle 12 defined by the tube section 14 when the handle 12 is viewed along an axis 40 generally perpendicular to the top side 28 of the handle 12. The hollow central portion 48 reduces the weight of the animal brush 12 to simplify use.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the hollow central portion 48 preferably extends completely through the handle 12 in a direction generally perpendicular to the top side 28 of the handle. The extension of the hollow central portion 48 completely through the handle 12 between the top side 28 and the bottom side 30 allows a user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush during use. That is, a user can see the hair or debris that are located within an area bounded by a brush wall 16 (further described below) when a portion of the central hollow portion 48 is not covered by a user's hand.

The area occupied by the hollow central portion 48 of the handle 12 can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the area occupied by the hollow central portion can be sixty (60%) percent, seventy (70%) percent, eighty (80%) percent, eight-five (85%) percent, ninety percent (90%) percent or any other amount. Furthermore, the animal brush of the present invention may include a solid handle 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As best shown in FIGS. 4-6, a brush wall 16 is located on the handle 12 and depends from the bottom side 30 of the handle 12. The brush wall 16 extends generally along the path and is generally centrally located on the bottom side 30 of the tube section 14. The brush wall 16 has a distal end 34 adapted to brush an animal 20. The brush wall 16 and handle 12 are preferably integrally formed as a one piece member. FIG. 6, best shows the preferable central location of the brush wall 16 along the bottom side 30 of the tube section 14. The distal end of 34 the brush wall 16 may include serrations as desired.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the brush wall 16 is preferably configured so that when the top side 28 of the handle 12 is viewed along an axis 40 generally perpendicular to the top side 28, the tube section 14 prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall 16 that is adjacent to the handle 12. More preferably still, when the handle 12 is viewed along an axis 40 generally perpendicular to the top side 28, the tube section 14 prevents viewing of all of the brush wall 16, when the top side 28 of the handle 12 is viewed along an axis 40 generally perpendicular to the top side 28. The brush wall 16 is preferably linear in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 30 of the handle 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the brush wall 16 is preferably configured to form a plurality of folds 50 wherein the portions of the brush wall 16 forming the fold 50 generally come to a point at an apex of the fold 50. Each fold 50 preferably creates a potential catch area 42 along the outer surface of the brush wall 16. Each catch area 42 is adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris 46 while brushing the animal 20. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, it is preferred, but not necessary, that regardless of the orientation of the animal brush 10 relative to the direction of movement 44 of the brush 10 over an animal 20 at least two potential catch areas 42 are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris 50 while brushing an animal. Thus, in addition to catching hair and debris 50 inside the area bounded by the brush wall 16, the brush 10 also captures additional hair and debris 50.

Referring to FIG. 10, one method of the present invention is as follows. The steps of any of the methods of the present invention can be performed in any order or combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In step S1 a handle 12 is provided that is formed by a tube section 14 extending along a closed path to define a perimeter 26 of the handle 12. The path includes a plurality of arcuate sections 24 that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush 10. The tube section 14 defines a hollow central portion 48. The handle 12 has top and bottom sides 28, 30. The top side 30 and the outer perimeter 26 of the handle 12 are preferably configured for a user to hold the animal brush 10.

During step S2, a brush wall 16 is located on the handle 12 to depend from the bottom side 30 thereof. The brush wall 16 extends along the path and is generally centrally located on the bottom side 30 of the tube section 14. The brush wall 16 has a distal end 34 adapted to brush an animal.

A second preferred method of manufacturing an animal brush 10 according to the present invention is as follows. A handle 12 is provided having a bottom side 30. The handle is formed by a tube section 14 extending along a closed path to define a perimeter 26 of the handle 12. The path includes a plurality of arcuate sections 24 that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush 10. The tube section 14 defines a hollow central portion 48. The handle 12 has a top side 28. The top side 28 and the outer perimeter 26 of the handle 12 are configured for a user to hold the animal brush 10.

The method also includes a brush wall 16 being located on the handle 12 to depend therefrom and extending along the bottom side 30 of the handle 12 along a closed path including a plurality of arcuate sections 24. The brush wall 16 having a distal end 34 adapted to brush an animal 10. The brush wall is configured to form a plurality of folds 50 wherein the portions of the brush wall 50 forming the fold 50 generally come to a point at an apex of the fold 50. Each fold 50 creates a potential catch area 42 along the outer surface of the brush wall 16. Each catch area 42 is adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal. Regardless of the orientation of the animal brush 10 relative to the direction of movement 44 of the brush over an animal 20 at least two potential catch areas 42 are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris 46 while brushing an animal 20.

While various shapes, configurations, and features have been described above and shown in the drawings for the various embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any combination of the above features can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the animal brush 10 without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings. 

1. A method of manufacturing an animal brush, comprising: providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the brush wall and handle being integrally formed as a one piece member.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing further comprises the handle includes six arcuate sections to provide a plurality of generally V-shaped indentations along the outer perimeter to simplify the holding of the brush by allowing placement of at least one finger in any one of the generally V-shaped indentations.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the handle and brush wall comprised of a polymer.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of providing further comprises the hollow central portion of the handle allowing a user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush within an area bounded by the brush wall during use.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the distal end of the brush wall comprising serrations.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of locating further comprises the brush wall being configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.
 9. A animal brush, comprising: a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter being configured to provide a gripping surface for a user; and a brush wall depending from the bottom side of the handle, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal.
 10. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the brush wall and handle are formed as a one piece member.
 11. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the handle includes six arcuate sections.
 12. The animal brush of claim 1, wherein the handle and brush wall comprise a polymer.
 13. The animal brush of claim 12, wherein the outer perimeter of the handle is at least partially deformable to facilitate gripping of the handle by a user.
 14. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the distal end of the brush wall comprises serrations.
 15. The animal brush of claim 9, wherein the hollow central portion of the handle occupies at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
 16. The animal brush of claim 1, wherein the brush wall is configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.
 17. A method of manufacturing an animal brush, comprising: providing a handle formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the handle includes plurality of arcuate sections also forming a plurality of generally V-shaped indentations along the outer perimeter to simplify the holding of the brush by allowing placement of at least one finger in any one of the generally V-shaped indentations, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having top and bottom sides, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush, wherein the hollow central portion of the handle occupies at least sixty (60%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle so that the hollow central portion reduces the weight of the animal brush to simplify use; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend from the bottom side thereof, the brush wall extending along the path and being centrally located on the bottom side of the tube section, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, wherein the brush wall is configured so that when the top side of the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side, the tubes section prevents viewing of at least the portion of the brush wall that is adjacent to the handle.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing further comprises the hollow central portion of the handle allowing a user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush within an area bounded by the brush wall during use.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of locating further comprises the distal end of the brush wall comprising serrations.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of locating further comprises the handle and brush wall comprising a polymer.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least eighty (80%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
 23. A method of manufacturing an animal brush, comprising: providing a handle having a bottom side, the handle being formed by a tube section extending along a closed path to define a perimeter of the handle, the path including a plurality of arcuate sections that simulate the shape of petals on a flower to create a floral look for the animal brush, the tube section defining a hollow central portion, the handle having a top side, the top side and the outer perimeter of the handle being configured for a user to hold the animal brush; and locating a brush wall on the handle to depend therefrom and extending along the bottom side of the handle along a closed path including a plurality of arcuate sections, the brush wall having a distal end adapted to brush an animal, the brush wall configured to form a plurality of folds wherein the portions of the brush wall forming the fold generally come to a point at an apex of the fold, each fold creating a potential catch area along the outer surface of the brush wall each adapted to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal, wherein regardless of the orientation of the animal brush relative to the direction of movement of the brush over an animal at least two potential catch areas are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing an animal.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of locating further comprises that regardless of the orientation of the animal brush relative to the direction of movement of the brush over an animal at least three potential catch areas are oriented to gather at least one of hair and debris while brushing the animal.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of locating includes the brush wall being linear in a direction generally perpendicular to the bottom side of the handle.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of providing comprises the hollow central portion of the handle occupying at least seventy (70%) percent of the area of the handle defined by the tube section when the handle is viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the top side of the handle, the hollow central portion reducing the weight of the animal brush to simplify use.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of providing further comprises the hollow central portion of the handle allowing a user to see how much hair and debris is gathered by the animal brush within an area bounded by the brush wall during use. 